A warm welcome to our Summer newsletter with the very latest from our partners.
Travel Mart Latin America is in beautiful Quito this year and Gareth will be attending for Senderos.
The following partners will also be there and looking forward to seeing you - Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa (Patagonia Connection), Ecoventura, Tropic Journeys in Nature, Awasi, Rainforest Expeditions, Casa Andina, Antarctic Dream.
Our high res image library continues to prove very popular featuring the best images for all our partners around South America - www.senderos.co.uk/media/index.php. Contact us for log in details.
Senderos is UK-based, an entirely free information service for European tour operators and press.
Senderos Partners are:
Rainforest Expeditions, Peru www.perunature.com
Casa Andina Private Collection Suasi Island and Sacred Valley, Peru www.casa-andina.com
Pousada Vida Sol e Mar, Praia do Rosa, Brazil www.vidasolemar.com.br
Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa, Chile www.puyuhuapilodgespa.com / www.patagonia-connection.com
Ecoventura, Galapagos www.ecoventura.com
The Antarctic Dream, www.antarctic.cl
Experience Patagonia, Argentina www.experiencepatagonia.com
Quincho Country Home, Chile (www.quinchocountryhome.cl)
Pousada Picinguaba, Brazil www.picinguaba.com
Awasi, Chile www.awasi.cl
Huaorani Ecolodge, Ecuador www.huaorani.com
Galapagos Island Walking Tours, Ecuador www.walkingalapagos.com
Hotel La Passion, Cartagena www.lapassionhotel.com
Estancia Huechahue, Argentina www.huechahue.com
Casa Higueras, Valparaiso, Chile www.casahigueras.cl
Rainforest Expeditions, Peru www.perunature.com
It surpassed all I had hoped for. The guides were knowledgable and very professional while being very friendly and personable. They tried to make sure we all got to see as much wildlife as possible and also included tidbits about the flora and the amazing insects and reptiles. The other staff members at both lodges were always smiling and willing to take care of any need we might have. The man who cleaned the rooms at TRC, and did so many other housekeeping chores, always had a smile on his face and truly seemed to be proud of doing his job. Every meal was delicious, with several choices, and presented in a very appetizing way. I was very impressed that we received 3 hot meals each and every day. The days began in the dark but at dawn we heard the macaws calling out and as we went to bed each night we were lilled to sleep by the chirp and croak of the frogs. It was a dream come true for me.
We recently had a crew from Animal Planet at the Tambopata Research Centre. As part of a programme on climate change the team were documenting research close to TRC carried out by the WWF, and also filmed the clay lick.
Refugio Amazonas has opened its Eyawasije (To they Sky) Spa with a variety of massages using oils like Brazil nut, Cats Claw and Chuchuhuasi. Also on offer, Aromatherapies, Digitopuncture for tired feet and Energy Cleansing.
Also at Refugio, enjoy the forest from a different perspective with our new mountain biking activity. The ride begins 10 minutes from the lodge, and then loops 10 kilometers through mature forest and numerous creekbeds. The muddier it is, the more fun we have!
Posada Amazonas in the NY Times! http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/07/13/travel/13Explorer.html?th&emc=th
We have a new web blog with articles about Ecotourism, Conservation and Natural History. Go to http://www.perunature.com/pages/blog.php & you can also subscribe to our RSS Feeds.
Casa Andina Private Collection Suasi Island and Sacred Valley, Peru www.casa-andina.com
If your looking for relaxation thats what Suasi is all about, a beautiful property - andean style, gardens fab and great for chilling out with a good book!! Great experience.
The hotel's central location within the Sacred Valley was perfect for our leisurely exploration of the sites from Pisac to Machu Picchu. We thoroughly enjoyed the stay, with a multi-day local Yanahuara festival that included a parade past the hotel entrance, music and one day a local bullfight (no weapons). The restaurant served excellent food, and the staff was superb. We highly recommend a stay!
Setting is exceptional. Rooms are spacious and comfortable. Service was excellent. Food was gourmet quality with very nice presentations.
The pictures right show the Andean Cottage Suasi Island (where the waters of the world's highest navigable lake are virtually lapping at your door), and below CAPC Sacred Valley and its popular planetarium and observatory.
At Casa Andina we've become aware of a great deal of waitlists being generated in our properties and we're now taking specific action to solve the problem. In cooperation with our local DMC partners, room blocking is being restricted considerably increasing the amount of available spaces. We expect our confirmation process to become far more efficient as of last Friday August 1st. Thank you for your patience!
Casa Andina now offer helicopter overflights from Cusco through Helicusco. The Sikorsky S – 58T has a capacity of 15 passengers (8 VIP) whisking you from Cusco and the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu & Choquequirao! Flights to Machu Picchu cost US$280 pp (direct, return Cusco), US$ 480 pp (with stopover in Aguas Calientes & option of visiting Machu Picchu), and $5000 for VIP Charter flights.
Pousada Vida Sol e Mar, Praia do Rosa, Brazil www.vidasolemar.com.br
On 20th July we officially opened the whale watching season with a record number of whales and tourists.
The photos (right) are from the overflight that Enrique took with the IBF and TV Globo on the opening day ID'ing 19 whales with their calves in Ibiraqueira alone. We have lots more images, including aerial shots of Praia do Rosa. Please let us know if you'd like to see more.
We have made a number of improvements to the boats for whale watching:-
- A new inflatable design means the sides are higher, keeping you dryer
- The back section of the boat is now fiberglass with stairs on either side to climb in - better to board
- Changing the motors to 2 x 115 HP injection Mercurys
- Enrique is currently building a new boat that will be ready in the middle of September. It will have a capacity for 60 passengers, be 14 meters long and equipped with 2 x 250 HP Yamaha engines.
Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa, Chile www.puyuhuapilodgespa.com / www.patagonia-connection.com
I have traveled to more than thirty countries and stayed at very luxurious resorts; if I could choose only one place to return for my last week on earth, The Puyuhaupi Lodge would be it!
Our five days at Puyuhuapi were fantastic, just the perfect complement to our week in Pucon...
I enjoyed a 4 night stay at this amazing lodge at the end of March. I've never been in such a beautiful place before.
I was really surprised to find a hotel/spa of this calibre hidden in the forest bordering a fjord. I highly recommend this hotel for people who want to combine active tourism options and relaxing spa treatments all inside the pictoresque Andes Mountains.
We are back from out wonderful trip, and already we are planning to return - Puyuhuapi was wonderful!
Last week we launched our new website www.puyuhuapilodgespa.com
Special Offer! Our 3 night / 4 day programme including an unforgettable day at Laguna San Rafael from November 4 - 7 has a very low rate of US$ 980 per person - great value (normal price 1540 pp)!
Ecoventura, Galapagos www.ecoventura.com
The birds, iguanas, and marine life that we experienced on this trip is better than anything I've seen on six continents. We even saw a mother sea lion give birth to a pup right in front of us! I have been diving on the Great Barrier Reef, the Mediterranean Sea, the Caribbean, Hawaii, and the California coast and have never seen anything like the varied marine life around the Galapagos Islands. We had sea lions, penguins, and sea turtles swimming right along with us in the clear water. I have already recommended this trip to friends and family and have had many ask me about the trip after viewing my photos on my gallery.
Our holiday fully lived up to expectations - it was absolutely fantastic. The Galapagos Islands were stunning & Ecoventura & Flamingo 1 were really excellent. This size boat was ideal as we visited several islands where larger ships weren't allowed. The crew & naturalists were amazing and worked so hard 24 hours a day.
Current promotional offers:
- Aug 24-31 2008 "Last minute" - receive an additional 5% commission on new bookings only.
- Sep 7-14 - rate of $3250 (normaly $4095) on a single cabin.
- Sep 28-05 Oct - Fuel is on Us promotion - we waive the fuel tax ($125) and operators receive an additional 5% commission on new bookings only.
There are still two cabins left on our FAM trips Aug 31-07 Sep and Sep 14-19 (5 nights) for registered buyers attending Travelmart Latin America.
Please enquire with Doris doris@galapagosnetwork.com
Travel+Leisure Magazine in the US announced the results of their 2008 World's Best Awards. In the World's Best Island poll, the Galapagos Islands achieved the No 1 spot beating out traditional favorites such as Bali and Hawaii. For full results visit: http://www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest/2008/results.cfm?cat=islands
The Antarctic Dream, www.antarctic.cl
We just wanted to say thanks for the fantastic time we had...All the crew made it a memorable trip. The ship was comfortable and the food was great. A great adventure we will never forget!
Antarctic Shipping is happy to announce the first group of lecturers in a series of themed departures to be offered this coming season.
The series will be offered in addition to the regular program and region-specific lectures to provide invaluable learning experiences in a range of genres.
- Gary Kolb (professor, interim dean and photographer) will join the December 9th departure to speak about symbolism in landscape photography.
- Eric Zafran will travel December 29th to provide a special focus in the subject of "Artists as Adventurers". Mr Zafran has been a curator for over 30 years in several important US cities.
- Dyan DeNapoli, also known as the Penguin Lady, will speak on the January 8th departure. Dyan will be discussing the biology, behavior and environmental issues that relate to the penguin species.
Please stay tuned for updates on new guests speakers for the 2008-09 season.
As of the 14th July we were forced to increase our Fuel Surcharge to $400 pp. This is still quite significantly less than our competitors.
We have plenty of availability for our November and early December departures. Please contact us for specific cabin numbers and types.
Experience Patagonia, Argentina www.experiencepatagonia.com
We stayed for three nights at Los Cerros in El Chalten in Dec 2007 and it is one of the best places we stayed at. The outdoor activities are quite comprehensive and vary by degrees of difficulty and interests, from an easy horseback riding, to a sail on Lake Viedma & 3hr glacier trekking, to a grueling 30km hike & glacier trek. The guides are all excellent. You decide what you want to do for the next day, and everything is taken care of, including a small backpack with water and your lunch choice for the hike. The food at the hotel is top-notch. One of the best things is the professional, but warm and friendly service. There is no better place to base yourself in El Chalten for exploring the natural wonders of Patagonia.
Just loved all about Los Notros, above my expectations from all I had heard or pictures and brochures I've seen. It is a secluded charming hotel with full of character. Staff is great and food + wine very good! All excursions were perfect, couldn't be better... what an experience.
Watch the breaking of the Perito Moreno icebridge at www.experiencepatagonia.com/es/home/
Over the winter we have been busy at Los Notros with new equipment in the kitchens, and new communal areas to relax and enjoy the views over the Perito Moreno Glacier. These will be ready to greet our first guests when we open for another Patagonia season in September.
We’re delighted that Hosteria Los Notros and Hotel Los Cerros have been certified ISO 9001-2000, reflecting our high levels of personalised service, gourmet cuisine, excursions and transfers. Our certifying company is SGS, a company with 124 years of experience in this field.
The ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System certification "enables companies to demonstrate their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction". Follow the link for more information on ISO 9001-2000 and see our company (Glaciar Viedma) in the list of clients to have obtained the certification - www.ar.sgs.com/es_ar/
Our next steps will be ISO 14000 - Environmental Responsibility and OSHA 18001 – Commitment to Occupational Health and Safety. Working towards these objectives we have improved in such areas as: Waste and sewage treatment; Employee safety and the quality of their working environment; Generation and distribution of energy, and the noise it creates; and Control of water use.
Quincho Country Home, Chile (www.quinchocountryhome.cl)
Relaxation at last! After gruelling exercise what a pleasure it is to be able to relax in a luxurious suite, a fabulously comfortable bed and enjoy fine wines and delicious food. We have been pampered + spoilt + enjoyed every minute in the company of our delightful hostesses. These need to be more Quincho`s in the world. Good luck and thank you.
Thank you so much for a fantastic time. Quincho is sure to be one of the highlights of our three month trip to South America and the welcome + hospitality provided by Silja, Cecilia and Elizabeth will be remembered for a long time, as with the fantastic food cooked by Claudio. We couldn’t have asked for a better time here, you even managed to arrange glorious blue skies to our trip to the volcano!! Felt like home. P.S.. Muchas gracias para las lecciones en español!!
To all the team, what can we say, such a fantastic stay, a mistake only staying 2 days although after such good service, food, wine and company maybe it is a good thing as not many places in the world can match what you have here. We would probably end up staying for a month, loved the rooms and property, can’t wait to come back and see the scenery in summer. Thanks for adding 2 wonderful days to our honeymoon.
During May of this year our chef Claudio Ubeda celebrated his official incorporation to “Chile Chef” (see top photo right). This association is a group of professional chefs who wanted to develop their individual cuisine with an innovating spirit and a Regional touch. In all their food preparation they use local products and they put special emphasis on the wonderful flavours, which is one of the most important aspects of “Criolla” and Chilean Cuisine.
The picture second from bottom shows our proud team - Silja, Claudia, Cecilia and Cristian.
Pousada Picinguaba, Brazil www.picinguaba.com
To the Picinguaba family - Here in this beautiful place we felt welcomed, integrated, and accepted. The efforts made by the entire staff helped us to experience the true "Brazilian spirit" and we have had the most incredible vacation we have had to date. As we have said so many time during our 10-days fantasy, it was the little imperfections that makes Pousada Picinguaba perfect. We now consider ourselves a part of this oasis.... a part of your family, and we will continue to live in this spirit as we return to the harsh, cold reality of London. Thank you!
After 2 1/2 great years with Picinguaba Priscila and Manolo are leaving for Buenos Aires at the end of August. We will miss them alot but know they'll visit and stay in touch. Buena suerte y mil gracias por todo!
Beto, who is Brazilian and spent 3 years running a restaurant in Paris, starts at the beginning of August as chef and Administration Manager. Oseias from the village is coming back from London and has been promoted to Guest Relations Manager which we are very proud of. He'll be assisted by Luciana, our new receptionist from Ubatuba.
Our sales team also is growing and you may speak by email to either Filipa, Fernando, or Eloi in the next few months.
Staff training continues in our beautiful low season and we've had professionals coming to train staff on making cocktails, and fresh bread and pastries. We now make almost all our own bread at the pousada, and delicious croissants and pain au chocolat for breakfast, a French touch to our Brazilian concept.
FLIP - The International Literature Festival of Paraty was a great success again this year. Next year we plan to host a party after the event with Journalists and Authors.
A few more guest comments from June 2008:-
Thank you so much for a wonderful start to our honeymoon. The Pousada is perfect in location, views, very lovely rooms, wonderful staff. Everything here was a joy and we are very sad to leave. But we'll be back.
What an amazing paradise! The serice, staff, views and atmosphere are all wonderful! We will come back!
A tremendous place. The beach, the view, the warmth... Thanks to everyone for making our stay so special!
Finally... Picinguaba's in the Press:
Awasi, Chile www.awasi.cl
Located just a short walk from the adobe oasis village of San Pedro, Awasi was the perfect place to stay for explorations into the spectacular Atacama desert. The eight cottages were spacious, comfortable and well appointed, with indoor and outdoor showers, and a style very much in keeping with the location. Rustic yet luxurious, lots of wood, stone and of course adobe. Each room has its own guide and 4WD for a wide variety of excursions, including the famous geysers, hot springs, salt flats and volcanoes. Walks or bike rides can be arranged to explore the valley of the moon. Service was excellent, with highly trained staff (and an excellent kitchen!), and with a maximum of sixteen guests at any time, it feels like an intimate, relaxing retreat.
AWASI in the PRESS
During the first months of 2008, we're very proud that well-known publications in a number of different countries have distinguished Awasi as one of the best hotels in the world. Among these:-
- Elite Traveler Magazine The Private Jet Lifestyle Magazine, included Awasi in its list of "101 Top Hotel Resort Suites of the Year" (August 2008) www.elitetraveler.com
- In June 2008, Awasi was also among "The World's Greatest Hotels, Resorts and Spas" in The Travel + Leisure Book "Best of 2008" (USA), www.travelandleisure.com
- The annual edition of Robb Report Luxury Resorts (USA, May 2008) considers Awasi among its 100 Ultimate Escapes www.robreportlusuryresorts.com
- In April 2008, the famous Australian magazine Gourmet Traveller included Awasi in its selection "Best of the Best - Top 30 New Hotels", www.gourmettraveller.com.au
- The Spanish magazine Telva (January 2008 edition) distributed to its subscribers the guidebook "101 Hotels for you to Escape to". Awasi is one of them. www.telva.com
Huaorani Ecolodge, Ecuador www.huaorani.com
After more than six months of operations the Lodge is doing better than we had hoped. Even the animals and birds seem to be cooperating; our clients and naturalist guides are reporting all sorts of great wildlife sightings. We now plan to make some adjustments to the programme based on our client feedback.
- Beginning the programme by travelling overland through the Avenue of the Volcanoes has proved popular. Clients have told us it was an enjoyable and interesting transition to the Amazon, especially as travel time door to door is comparable to flying.
- 5 and 6 day programmes are the most popular and clients have been enthusiastic about the exit poling downriver by dugout canoe and the Via Auca road through the oil fields. This is an important part of the package and fundamental to an understanding of the Huaorani’s situation and the whole project. However, the option to return by the same inbound route via light aircraft will still be available, and indeed s recommended for the shorter 4 day program. The price of the two transportation options will be the same: US$250 net.
- The basic transportation package is now as follows: journey by mini bus from Quito through the valley of the volcanoes to Shell, short flight in small plane from Shell to the Huaorani Ecolodge and, for the return journey, bus from the Shiripuno River bridge to Coca and commercial flight from Coca to Quito.
- For the 2009 season rack rates will be adjusted from US$120 to US$150 dollars per day. We have contracted more staff, including a resident host/manager, first class naturalist guides, additional kitchen staff, a full time person to pole our dugout canoes, as well as investing in client service training courses at the lodge. In the down-river Nenkepare Camp we have improved comfort levels by building a new palm thatch-covered platform for the tents and another for the kitchen, dining room and bathroom.
Even with these improvements, prices for Huaorani Ecolodge will still be below those of other First Class lodges. The overall cost of a five day/four night package will be US$ 1,000.
Galapagos Island Walking Tours, Ecuador www.walkingalapagos.com
Thank you to everyone for making my trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos so memorable. The 3 guides were great, extremely friendly and also very knowledgeable. I will definitely be recommending you to family and friends.
The latest example of the fascinating process of development of the Galapagos is the eruption of the Cerro Azul Volcano, which began on the 29th of May. We were privileged to witness the event on the eastern side of the volcano. The slow flowing lava poses no danger to Villamil or the giant tortoise population and the two lakes inside the volcano are unaffected.
Improvements in our Isabela programme.
- 2009 prices will be maintained at 2008 levels.
- We've added a 3 day stay and taken out the 6 day programme.
- We now give preference to the Hotel Albermale; the hotel is newer, has more of a family environment and the location is ideal.
- We have decided to stop the use of horses on the volcano for the health and safety of our clients and of the horses themselves. We had concerns over the care of the horses and are pressing local authorities’ for better enforcement of their own safety regulations. Walking up to the world's second largest volcanic crater is still an amazing experience!
- Most people prefer to walk everywhere so vehicles have been under utilized. They'll still be provided for transfers to and from the airport, the ride to the highlands and of course for emergencies. When requested we'll arrange for a vehicle to bring clients back from the wall of tears.
- Clients prefer to be able to wander freely at night, exploring Villamil and relaxing after the day’s activities. They'd like to be able to eat wherever they find themselves, so dinner is no longer included.
- Private journeys - in line with our own policy, and the recent trend towards more flexible holidays, operators and clients will now be able to choose their own departure dates. Please remember that there are no flights between islands on Sundays.
Hotel La Passion, Cartagena www.lapassionhotel.com
What an amazing place! I loved the hotel and what Thierry had done to the building. A highlight was also watching the students in their dance class across the road, very atmospheric.
La Passion is a hotel with passion for modern Colombian art with a mix of Spanish/Moroccan influences to great food, the vibrant colors, the outdoor showers & amazing baths in the bedrooms, the pool on the roof from where one can admire the colonial buildings of Cartagena and so many attentions to detail that show how the owners Thierry & Lilliana have great passion about their Home & welcoming their guests.
What a fine time I had at La Passion. Thanks for organising it for me. My hat is off to you for another inspirational association, Thierry and Liliana are wonderful.
La Passion has recently been featured by Concierge.com in a review of the world's best hotels for an affair http://www.concierge.com/ideas/romantic/tours/2635?page=3
Estancia Huechahue, Argentina www.huechahue.com
A little paradise somewhere on planet earth…Beautiful landscapes, fantastic riding, welcoming people, respect of environment, home made food…What else to ask for? Many thanks to everyone, I'll be back!
Thanks Jane for the great hospitality, horses, food, wine and an introduction to a wonderful country. Something tells me I might be back!
A horseman’s paradise with 5 star service!
- Carrie Murphy who helped run the house at the estancia last season is taking over the reservations.
- We're trying to be prepared for anything Aerolineas might come up with. We will be running 5 set riding programs this summer which will include transfers to and from Bariloche. Please ask for details. All the rest of the flexible programs are still running but on these 5 we are including the Bariloche transfers. The dates are 4th to 14th Nov 2008, 29th Nov to 9th Dec 2008, 22nd Jan to 1st Feb 2009, 7th to 17th Feb 2009 and 4th to 14th March 2009.
- We also have a 3 night program for those who do not necessarily want to ride but would like to experience life on a Patagonia estancia. On this program we meet guests at Bariloche and drive to Huechahue through the mountains along the well known 7 lakes route arriving in time for dinner. The next 2 days are spent on the estancia either riding or walking - watching condors, visiting the Indian burial caves, watching or helping the gauchos work the cattle or taming young horses, relaxing in the sauna or hot tub, swimming in the river or eating asados on the banks. On the final day we drive back to Bariloche through the Valle Encantado and the scenery of the Patagonian Steppe. The price of this program is US$1,100 per person.
- We now have set dates for an estancia to estancia ride in January.
- In March anyone wishing to accompany Jim Brown, our stalker with the culling of the deer will be very welcome to do so. The charge will be US$200 per day for this. There will be the chance to shoot selected cull stags as indicated by Jim.
Second time here and loved it more than the first. It’s a hard place to leave…
Knocks any other riding holiday into a cocked hat. An unforgettable experience, thank you so much!
Casa Higueras, Valparaiso, Chile www.casahigueras.cl
Valparaiso was a delight. Full of life and character, each house painted a different pastel shade, cut into the steep embankments, with museums and colonial splendours a plenty. The heavy English historical connections with the Navy, very good restaurants, and Neruda´s house, were all fascinating.
Casa Higueras is definitely option number one here. No doubt. It´s oozing class and sophistication. The infinity pool, the spa, the restaurant, the rooms, the colonial style, a mix of modern minimalism with antique touches everywhere. This carefully restored 1920’s mansion is located in the heart of Valparaiso, a bustling port town and UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s mix of colonial history, cobbled streets and beautiful gardens makes Valparaiso one of South Americas most intriguing cities, a real colonial gem.
Located in the Cerro Allegre or `cheerful hill’ district, so called because of the stunning gardens left by German and English immigrants who arrived in the mid 19th century, Casa Higueras incorporates the colonial charm of the area perfectly into a modern and stylish boutique hotel.
The hotel has kept it’s original façade, very much a Mediterranean villa style, with charming tiered gardens, sun shades and a stunning infinity pool, open air Jacuzzi and spa, all with incredible views over the bay. The twenty well appointed guestrooms are spacious and reflect the general style of the hotel, a blend of traditional and modern design, most with own terrace and views over the bay or cordillera and conception hills.
June 08 JK, Ultimate Travel
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Telephone: +44 (0)208 1448335